Henry Ossawa Tanner’s The Banjo Lesson and The Thankful Poor combat the dominant narratives of Western art history by depicting an African-American grandfather and grandson in humane, ordinary moments. The warm depiction of the grandfather reflects the hardships suffered by older generation: slavery, the Civil War, oppression, and racism. While the young grandchild reflects the new America, full of opportunities and advancements, education and a new beginning for all African Americans. Continue reading →